France may station nuclear-armed jets in Germany: Reports
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France is reportedly prepared to extend its nuclear deterrent to protect Europe, but an official proposal would only be made if US President Donald Trump follows through with a troop withdrawal from Germany.
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France's Rafale fighter jets fly over the city center during celebrations of the 107th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, in Tallinn, Estonia, on Monday, February 24, 2025. (AP)
France may consider deploying nuclear-armed fighter jets in Germany if the United States withdraws its forces from Europe, The Telegraph has reported.
According to the report, France is prepared to extend its nuclear deterrent to protect Europe, but an official proposal would only be made if US President Donald Trump follows through with a troop withdrawal from Germany.
A French official, speaking anonymously to The Telegraph, stated that such a move would "send a message to [Russian President] Vladimir Putin" and increase pressure on the UK to take similar action. Unlike the UK's nuclear forces, which are integrated into NATO’s defense strategy, France’s nuclear arsenal operates independently from the alliance.
Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor candidate and leader of the Christian Democratic and Christian Social Unions (CDU/CSU) bloc, which won the Bundestag election on Sunday, argued that Europe should no longer depend on the US for its defense. He urged France and the UK to begin discussions on a European nuclear defense strategy. However, Russian Senator Alexei Pushkov dismissed Merz’s stance as "madness."
US criticizing Zelensky
Trump has repeatedly criticized European nations for their low contributions to NATO’s defense budget, insisting that all member states increase military spending to 5% of GDP.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that there are currently no plans to reduce America’s military presence in Europe.
Furthermore, the US president has consistently criticized Zelensky, called for elections in Ukraine, and is said to have opposed a G7 statement labeling Russia as the aggressor in the conflict.
The Trump administration has criticized Europe for relying on American strength for decades. While they support Europe investing more in its security, this growing divide between the US and Europe is likely to create tensions.
That said, European allies have acknowledged that they will face challenges in bridging the gap in supplying Ukraine, let alone guaranteeing the security of the entire continent.
